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Woman sues after allegedly breaking ankle on LA slide

Posted: 2:57 PM, Jul 14, 2016

Updated:2016-07-14 15:57:47-04

By:
Associated Press

Richard Vogel

<p>FILE - This Wednesday, June 22, 2016 file photo shows a man rides down a glass slide on the U.S. Bank Tower in downtown Los Angeles. A lawsuit claims a woman suffered a broken ankle on the recently opened glass-enclosed slide attached to the exterior of a downtown Los Angeles skyscraper. The lawsuit filed Wednesday, July 13, 2016, against building owner OUE Skyspace LLC and a concession company claims negligence. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel,File)</p>

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A lawsuit says a woman suffered a broken ankle on a recently opened glass-enclosed slide attached to the exterior of a downtown Los Angeles skyscraper.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday against building owner OUE Skyspace LLC and a concession company claims negligence, City News Service reported.

The Skyslide opened last month as part of a renovation of the 72-story U.S. Bank Tower. The slide spans 45 feet from the 70th floor to the 69th.

The lawsuit says the design doesn't allow the rider to slow down enough before reaching the end, and a stack of mats in the runout area created a gap that trapped riders' feet.

Responding to an Associated Press email seeking comment, a public relations representative said the company was informed about the lawsuit and it would be reviewed by a legal team.

The slide offers riders the thrill — or scare — of launching out the side of the skyscraper about 1,000 feet above the ground, contained in a square tube made of 1¼-inch-thick glass.

The slide ends on a new open-air observation deck one floor below.

Admission to the observation deck is $25. The slide costs an additional $8.

Skyslide is part of a $50 million renovation that includes the deck, a bar and a 360-degree restaurant, 71Above, that opens Friday.

On a clear day, the tower provides panoramic views that extend across the metropolitan region to Santa Catalina Island more than 20 miles offshore and to the mountain peaks that form the backdrop of Los Angeles.

"The Skyslide boasts a safe, thrilling experience unlike any other in the world," Lucy Rumantir, head of U.S. operations for the building owner, said in a statement earlier this year.

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